Television Studies: An Overview (Discussion)
Mass-comm methods vs. television-studies methods
To understand the difference between empirical and critical methods, we need to look at their basic principles and presumptions. The class will be divided into mass-comm researchers and television-studies theorists for this first exercise.
Mass Comm Research | Television Studies |
Group 4 Group 2 |
Group 1 Group 3 |
Criteria for evaluating critical work
All groups will discuss Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck's criteria for evaluating critical work--looking at one specific criterion. Apply your criterion to Kristen Warner, "'Who Gon Check Me Boo': Reality TV as a Haven For Black Women’s Affect," Flow (August 18, 2011). How well does this essay fit your criterion?
Group 1
- Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by internal consistency.
Group 2
- Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by evidence.
Group 3
- Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by cultural, critical, theoretical and practical significance.
Group 4
- Explain what Vande Berg, Wenner and Gronbeck mean by reasonableness for a critical interpretation.
Bibliography
- Butler, Jeremy G. Television: Critical Methods and Applications. NY: Routledge, 2011.